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What does a freelance sales representative do?

A freelance sales representative acts as the primary point of contact between a client organization and its customers. In this capacity, a freelance sales representative engages leads, prospects, and customers in an effort to educate them about a product or service and to influence them to make a purchase.

The work a sales representative engages in can be completed via the telephone as a component of inside sales or can be done outside the office in the form of outside sales. A freelance sales representative can engage in direct sales, where they sell to customers as a representative of the product’s or service’s brand. Sales can also be done indirectly, with the freelance sales representative acting on behalf of a third party (such as an affiliate or a reseller) when selling to a customer.

While there are a variety of ways a freelance sales representative can sell to customers, the primary function of the role is to close the sale and generate revenue.

What skills do I need to become a freelance sales representative?

Depending on the product or service being sold, there are varying levels of education or experience required for freelance sales representatives. Some positions require very little experience, while other roles may require formal education. For sales involving inexpensive or relatively simple items, a high school education along with a few years of experience might suffice. Sales representatives in this category might be employed by a retail organization, an insurance company, or an automotive dealership.

On the other hand, a freelance sales representative involved in selling complex and enterprise-level products and services, such as scientific equipment, pharmaceuticals, or high-end electronic equipment, may need a college degree in addition to a number of years of experience.

In any situation, a freelance sales representative will need to possess a number of common skills to successfully fulfill their role, including the following:

• Excellent listening and communication skills
• An ability to successfully problem-solve in relation to customer pain points
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• The ability to overcome client objections and close the sale
• A knack for prospecting
• An ability to tell compelling stories
• Networking skills, especially for complex, enterprise-level sales
• Confidence and leadership
• Excellent work ethic
• A proactive, self-starter mindset

What are the core freelance sales representative job responsibilities?

The responsibilities of a freelance sales representative vary greatly, depending on the company and the industry. In general, sales representatives working for clients in a freelance capacity can usually count on having some, if not most, of the following responsibilities:

• Provide product and service solutions to customers in an effort to simplify their lives
• Develop personal connections with customers, putting them at ease during the selling process
• Meet designated sales goals and related objectives in an effort to generate revenue
• Collaborate with teams in other departments to provide solutions to customers
• Successfully exhibit the client’s brand characteristics
• Tailor solutions depending on client needs and budget

Should I get a degree or certification as a freelance sales representative?

In addition to developing your skills, obtaining a degree and/or professional certification can help your Upwork profile stand out. Examples of popular degrees or certifications for freelance sales representatives include:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, finance, psychology, or economics
• Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP) or Certified Professional Sales Leader (CPSL)—offered by the National Association of Sales Professionals